ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
The club has the largest fleet of A-class sailboats in the USA and was established as a sailing club before golf was added in 1912.
About
White Bear Yacht Club's renowned 18-hole course was primarily designed by William Watson and Donald Ross, leveraging dramatic land movement and topography on a former potato farm. The course is known for uneven lies, varied green complexes, and walking-only tradition, offering a stern but scenic shotmaker's test. Regularly restored and maintained at high standards, it has hosted major regional championships for over a century.
Caddie Tip
Bring your best walking shoes, it’s nearly all walkers here. Trust the land more than your eyes for lies and approach shots. Sidehill, uphill, and downhill lies are the rule not the exception. Always factor in elevation changes when clubbing, and use the terrain to your advantage on chip shots around the greens for best results.
The Main Challenge
The course’s ultimate challenge is navigating its dramatic natural elevation changes and sloped fairways, which rarely offer a level stance. Even expert players struggle to master club selection, balance, and shot trajectory on persistently sloped lies. The subtle but severe greens require precision chipping and putting, punishing both overly conservative and aggressive approaches.
The Good
Golfers rave about the course’s unique rolling topography—each hole utilizes the dramatic terrain differently, providing variety, challenge, and constant visual interest. Many love the routing's walkability despite terrain, plus the creativity, subtlety, and challenge of the green complexes. The old-world, classical feel and lack of modern over-bunkering enhance the experience.
The Not So Good
Some players find the relentless uneven lies and elevation changes to be physically demanding and mentally exhausting. There are occasional calls for better signage, improved access for carts or alternative mobility, and even out-of-play areas maintained more consistently. On crowded days, green speeds and rough consistency can waver.
Signature Hole:
#
13
The par 5 13th hole at White Bear Yacht Club is a standout, stretching 515 yards across the layout’s rolling property. This hole showcases the club’s stunning land movement, with a gently climbing, strategic fairway and a demanding approach to a raised green. Minimal bunkering ensures the bold terrain always defines play, making every shot memorable.
Clubhouse
The historic lakeside clubhouse features a full-service restaurant, bar, event spaces, and locker rooms. Nautical heritage is reflected throughout, and members can enjoy lakeside dining, social rooms, and terrace overlooking White Bear Lake. There are also sailing facilities and seasonal family programming.
Practice Facilities
Practice offerings are solid if traditional, with a grass driving range, short game/chipping area, and practice putting green. Facilities are focused on shotmaking not distance, and the walkable setup encourages players to practice approach angles and wedge play.
Dress Code:
Strict
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
.avif)
.webp)
.png)
%20%234%20ES.webp)
.png)
